Area sportsmen, fishermen and outsdoorsmen all got good news Tuesday when Sen. Thad Cochran released a statement noting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineeers would be spending nearly $27 million on projects throughout the state, including work at the four area reservoirs at Sardis, Endi, Grenada and Arkabutla lakes. (February 4, 2015, Page 4A)

Local columnist Jimmy Reed takes advice he learned from his childhood mentor to the classroom as he instills discipline and responsibility among his students. It’s much better to be inside learning than “out.” (February 3, 2015, Page 4)

There is a growing concern among educators around the state that Legislators feel they’re more qualified than teachers and administrators to decide on how to run schools. We hope our lawmakers think about the overall good of our children and their educations rather than politics. (February 3, 2015, Page 4)

Local columnist T.J. Ray takes readers inside the bidding and building process to show how much more is involved for all who take part in the process from planning to building. (February 2, 2015, Page 4)

Football season ends with the Super Bowl. It’s time for basketball and golf and auto racing, right? Well, that’s true unless you’re a big-time college football fan; if so, you know that this week with National Signing Day on Wednesday, is one of the biggest weeks of the year. We encourage all to enjoy football if that’s your thing, the other sports if they or — or maybe just enjoy a few weeks away from the TV. (February 2, 2015, Page 4)

Editor Don Whitten urged readers, last fall, to get their flu shots. Now, back at work after an entended bout with the flu — that wasn’t stopped by his shot — he writes about taking any and all efforts to ward off the illness. (February 1, 2015, Page 4A)

One of the busiest parts of residential Oxford is the area around Sisk Avenue, and local officials are trying to slow down traffic with lots of bikers, pedestrians (and vehicles) in the area. We call on those who travel through that part of town to watch your speed; having to deal with speed humps — a possibility if things don’t get better — is not ideal for anyone. (February 1, 2015, Page 4A)

The voice and face of The Oxford EAGLE’s front office for the past 15 years is taking time for herself as she moves into retirement. Publisher Tim Phillips relates a conversation with office manager Cathy Herren on her last day as a full-time regular employee at the newspaper. (January 30, 2015, Page 4A)

Mickey Smith writes to thank city sanitation department workers for all they do to help keep the community beautiful, while Leon and Jocelyn Miller write to urge Mississippians to protect, maintain and promote all of its special resources. (January 30, 2015, Page 4A)

Assistant News Editor Jeff Eubanks and his wife are in the market for a new vehicle and with all the amenities in newer model automobiles these days, Eubanks discusses the “luxuries” of his first vehicle. (January 23, 2015, Page 4)